Page 6 of Elf Shot

"Let me get a waiter's attention so we can get some drinks," he said, looking about. He sent out a small pulse of magic, and a waitress in a white and green dress headed toward them.

"That's a cool trick," Layla commented.

"You felt that? I wouldn't normally use magic for such a small thing, but I will need that drink if you keep smiling at me."

Layla laughed. "I don't think I've made anyone nervous before."

"Not that you've noticed, maybe. You're an Ironwood. People know who you are and are nervous by default."

"Don't be. I'm not one of the important Ironwoods," she said before she could check herself.

Seamus frowned. "I don't understand?"

Shit. She had to say something now.

"I mean, I'm not one of the famous ones. Bron is the best hunter and married a fae prince. Imogen is now a consort to a god, and Charlotte is a magical protégée. I'm just…Layla," she finished lamely.

Before Seamus could reply, the waitress arrived. Layla ordered a double Jameson on the rocks. She was going to need it.

"It's okay, Layla. I get what you're saying. Having that much spotlight on your family must be hard, and you have a massive legacy on top of that. I can't imagine how fucking annoying that all is," Seamus said once they were alone again.

Layla sighed in relief. "It really fucking is. Even before the fae returned and outed the magical world, I was kind of the odd one out anyway. I sound like I'm bitching, but I really don't mind. I hate being the center of attention. It's like ants under my skin. I'm happy to be in the background, doing my own thing."

"I'm kind of the same in my own family," Seamus said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm an okay magician, but I still haven't found a specialty. I like too many things, which makes me the odd man out. My brother and sister knew what kind of branch they wanted to pursue from the cradle. And they are overachievers. It's very annoying."

"Siblings are the fucking worst," Layla said, making him laugh.

"Yeah, they really are."

Their drinks arrived, and Layla lifted her glass. "To being the odd man out and hiding from the spotlight."

"Hear! Hear!" Seamus said, tapping his glass of gin and tonic against her whiskey. Jameson caught in her throat as she looked up and saw the elvish warriors in full armor, filing into the courtyard beside them. She swallowed an ice cube in surprise.

"What the hell is going on?" she whispered hoarsely.

"Shit, I hope there hasn't been another horde creature sighting," Seamus replied. The restaurant hushed as six warriors walked through the maze of tables, and at the head, looking like he was about to burn the place to the ground, was Arne.

3

Layla slid down in her chair and was halfway under the table when Arne spotted her and headed straight for them. She glanced at the door leading to the courtyard, but his warriors were already guarding it.

"Save me," she squeaked. It was too late. Arne was there, staring down at her.

"Layla Ironwood, I need you to come with me," he said, his Scandinavian accent making him sound like an angry Viking. The hairs on her arms rose at the sexy growl, and she hated it.

"Go away. I'm on a date," she hissed, pointing to Seamus. "See?"

"Oh, I can see just fine."

"Great. You can see I'm busy. Now, go away," she said through gritted teeth. Everyone in the restaurant was staring at her. Hot horror slid over her entire body. She sure as shit was the center of attention now. "You are making a scene."

"Then come with me, and I will stop," Arne replied, his leather armor creaking when he crossed his arms.

Layla pinched the bridge of her nose. "Are we under attack?"

"No."

"Horde creatures invading?"

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